Sleeve cover for liquid dispensers

ABSTRACT

A sleeve for a liquid dispenser is disclosed. The sleeve includes a sleeve body adapted to receive a liquid dispenser, the sleeve body having a first opening and a second opening and a side portion extending between the first and second openings, where the second opening has a larger diameter than the first opening, such that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening is retained by the first opening of the sleeve body. In some embodiments, the sleeve may have optional slits or cut outs. In still other embodiments, the sleeve may be coated with or may comprise antimicrobial material. Also disclosed is a liquid dispensing system having a sleeve and a pump dispenser.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional filing of U.S. Application No. 61/543,133, filed on Oct. 4, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a sleeve cover for use with liquid dispensers, both disposable and non-disposable varieties.

Liquid dispensers are used in commercial and residential settings, and free standing liquid dispensers are sold by many commercial manufacturers. Typically the free standing liquid dispensers are of the pump variety. If the liquid dispenser is used multiple times a day, it may become quite wet and encourage the growth of mold and other harmful fungi and bacteria. Further, as the liquid dispenser's volume is consumed by users, the liquid dispenser may become top heavy when the weight of the pump device exceeds the weight of the remaining volume, leading to a tendency for the liquid dispenser to tip or fall over. If the liquid dispenser is made of a fragile material, such as glass, the liquid dispenser may shatter when it falls over, particularly if it drops from some height.

What is needed, then, is a product that improves the utility of liquid dispensers.

A sleeve for a liquid dispenser is presently disclosed that comprises a sleeve body adapted to receive a liquid dispenser, the sleeve body having a first opening and a second opening and a side portion extending between the first and second openings, where the second opening has a larger diameter than the first opening, such that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening is retained by the first opening of the sleeve body. In one embodiment, the sleeve further comprises a lip extending laterally from the second opening to stabilize the sleeve. The lip may further be comprised of a weighted portion. In another embodiment, the sleeve is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be a polycarbonate. In another embodiment, the sleeve may be coated with a antimicrobial agent. The sleeve may be comprised of a antimicrobial polymer. In various embodiments, the sleeve may have at least one slit or cut out disposed in the side portion. In still another alternate embodiment, the sleeve further comprises a stiffening member.

Also disclosed is a sleeve for a liquid dispenser that comprises a sleeve body adapted to receive a liquid dispenser, the sleeve body having a first opening and a second opening and a side portion extending between the first and second openings; where the first opening has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of a pump on a first end of the liquid dispenser, and where the second opening has a larger diameter than the first opening, such that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening is retained by the first opening of the sleeve body; and where the second opening is adapted to rest flush against a surface.

Also disclosed is a liquid dispensing system that includes a pump dispenser bottle having a bottle body containing a liquid to be dispensed, the bottle body having a threaded neck portion engaging a threaded cap supporting a pump mechanism for dispensing the liquid, the bottle body further having a shoulder portion extending outward from the threaded neck to side portions of the pump dispenser bottle, the bottle body further having a bottom portion opposite the threaded neck portion. The liquid dispensing system also includes a sleeve adapted to receive the pump dispenser bottle, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, where the second opening has a cross section greater than the maximum cross section of the pump dispenser bottle, and where the first opening has a diameter greater than the threaded neck portion of the bottle body and less than the diameter of the shoulder portion of the bottle body, such that the first opening receives the threaded neck portion of the bottle body. In one embodiment of the liquid dispensing system, the diameter of the first opening of the sleeve may be less than a cross-section dimension of the pump mechanism. In another embodiment, a base dimension of the sleeve is greater than a base dimension of the pump dispenser bottle. In another embodiment, the length of the sleeve from the first opening to the second opening is at least as long as the length of the pump dispenser from the threaded neck portion to the bottom portion. In yet another embodiment of the liquid dispensing system, the length of the sleeve from the first opening to the second opening is longer than the length of the pump dispenser from the threaded neck portion to the bottom portion. In another embodiment, the sleeve further comprises a stiffening member. In one embodiment of the liquid dispensing system, the sleeve engages the threaded neck portion of the pump dispenser. In still another alternate embodiment of the liquid dispensing system, the sleeve rests on the shoulders of the pump dispenser when it is placed on the pump dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular embodiments and further benefits of the invention are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve showing optional slits.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve showing optional cut outs.

FIG. 4 is a cut away view of a sleeve showing the bottom of a liquid dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a liquid dispensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 5, a sleeve 10 for a liquid dispenser is generally disclosed that is adapted to engage a liquid dispenser, stabilize the liquid dispenser, and which may provide antimicrobial properties to the liquid dispenser.

As shown in FIG. 1, a sleeve 10 for a liquid dispenser has a sleeve body 12 with a first opening 14 and a second opening 16. The sleeve 10 also has a side portion 18 extending between the first opening 14 and the second opening 16. The second opening 16 has a larger diameter than the first opening 14 so that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening 16 is retained by the first opening 14 of the sleeve body 12. In one embodiment, the first opening 14 may correspond to the dimensions of a pump of a liquid dispenser, while the second opening 16 may correspond to the dimensions of a bottom of a liquid dispenser. Although FIG. 1 shows the first opening 14 and second opening 16 as having circular shapes, alternate shapes may be used in other embodiments for either or both of the openings. Shapes used may include, for example, ovoid, polygonal, or irregular shapes.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the second opening 16 of the sleeve is adapted to rest substantially flush against a surface, such as a counter. This adaptation may add stability and reduce the tendency of the sleeve to tip over when a liquid dispenser is inserted in the sleeve.

Because many liquid dispenser bottles are long and slim, they may have a tendency to fall or tip over, particularly when the weight of the remaining volume of liquid is no longer equal to the weight of the pump on the liquid dispenser. In some instances, the liquid dispenser may become top heavy and the liquid dispenser's tendency to fall may adversely affect the user. As further shown in FIG. 1, the sleeve 10 for a liquid dispenser may include a lip 20 extending laterally from the second opening. The lip 20 may have varying widths extending laterally from the second opening. Overall, the lip 20 enlarges the base of the sleeve 10, giving the unit as a whole a broader base which may tend to stabilize the sleeve 10 as it sits on a countertop. In another alternate embodiment, the lip 20 may further comprise a weighted portion (not shown). The weighted portion also lends stability to the sleeve 10 by lowering its center of gravity and thus further contribute to a reduced tendency of the liquid dispenser to fall over when it is used in conjunction with the sleeve 10.

The sleeve 10 may be formed of a material sufficiently rigid to hold the general shape of the liquid dispenser within the shape of the sleeve. In another embodiment, the sleeve 10 has a degree of flexibility so as not to prohibit the movement of the liquid dispenser within the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the second opening 16 or removed from the liquid dispenser. The sleeve 10 may be formed of a variety of materials suitable for use in a given application. In one embodiment, sleeve 10 is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may be a polycarbonate. In yet another embodiment, sleeve 10 is comprised of a blend of thermoplastic polymers and another material, for example, an antimicrobial material. In still other embodiments, the material may include polycarbonates and antimicrobial materials. In yet other embodiments, the sleeve 10 may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, or the sleeve may be formed of leather. In some embodiments, the sleeve 10 may be formed of multiple materials, such as a plastic sleeve with a metallic finish or coating applied to the outer surface of the sleeve

Liquid dispensers may be used many times a day. Over the course of a day, the liquid dispenser may become wet, and this moisture may encourage the growth of mold and other harmful fungi and bacteria. To deter the growth of these organisms on the liquid dispenser, the sleeve 10 may be coated with an antimicrobial agent. The coating may be applied by any means commonly known in the art, and the coatings may be of any type known to have antimicrobial properties. For example, essential oils such as black clove, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, grapefruit seed, oregano, lavender, leleshwa, lemon, lemon myrtle, mint, neem, onion, peppermint, sandalwood, tea tree or thyme oils may be used to coat the sleeve 10. In another embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be coated with colloidal silver. In yet another embodiment, commercial antimicrobial agents such as SurfaceAide® XL, Agion® Silver, FluroMed®, or others may be used.

Alternatively, the sleeve 10 may be comprised of an antimicrobial agent, for example an antimicrobial polymer, to achieve similar fungi- and bacteria-reducing properties. Any material having antimicrobial properties may be used. For example, materials infused with copper, silver, or other metals with antimicrobial properties may be used in the composition of the sleeve. Alternatively, commercial antimicrobial materials such as, for example, PolyCide®, or others may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, sleeve 10 may contain one or more slits 22 disposed in the side portion 18. The slits 22 may allow air flow between the sleeve 10 and a liquid dispenser disposed within the sleeve. Increased the air flow may tend to cause water evaporation and reduce the tendency of fungi and bacteria to grow between the sleeve 10 and the liquid dispenser. As shown in FIG. 2, the slits 22 may approximate the length of the side portion 18. In other embodiments, the slits may be of varying length, some approximating the length of the side portion and others being a shorter length. In still other embodiments, the slits may be of a length shorter than the length of the side portion 18. In some embodiments the slits may be arranged to form an irregular pattern, while in other embodiments the slits may be arranged uniformly around the circumference of the sleeve. In many embodiments, the slits may be incorporated into a decorative pattern to improve the aesthetics of the sleeve for use in home or commercial settings.

Referring now to FIG. 3, sleeve 10 may contain one or more cut outs 24 disposed in the side portion 18. Like slits 22, cut outs 24 encourage air flow between the sleeve 10 and a liquid dispenser disposed within the sleeve to reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria between the sleeve 10 and the liquid dispenser. As shown in FIG. 3, the cut outs 24 may be comprised of various lengths, some approximating the length of the side portion 18 and others being a shorter length. In some embodiments the cut outs may be arranged to form a decorative pattern, while in other embodiments the cut outs may be arranged regularly. In yet other embodiments, the cut outs may be arranged irregularly without a discernible pattern. In some embodiments the cut outs may be of an ovoid shape, while in others they may be of a polygonal or irregular shape. In some embodiments all of the cut outs may have the same shape, while in others the cut outs may be of many types of shapes.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 10 may be comprised of an optional stiffening member (not shown) to add additional stability to the sleeve. The stiffening member may be comprised of, for example, rods or woven mesh disposed within the sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the stiffening member may include a ridge or protrusion extending along an interior or exterior surface of the side portion of the sleeve. The ridge may be formed integrally with the sleeve and provide resistance to bending or twisting of the sleeve during use. In some embodiments, a plurality of ridges may be provided to stabilize the sleeve.

Still other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a liquid dispensing system, one embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 4. The liquid dispensing system may generally be comprised of a pump dispenser 26 disposed in a sleeve 10. In some embodiments, the liquid dispensing system is used to dispense liquid soap to the users. In other embodiments of the subject invention, the liquid dispensing system is used to dispenser sanitizing gel or other liquids or creams. The pump dispenser 26 may be of the disposable variety, while in other embodiments the pump dispenser 26 may be of the non-disposable or permanent variety.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments the bottom of the pump dispenser 28 may not be flush with the second opening 16 of the sleeve 10. In the system represented by this embodiment, the sleeve 10 supports the weight of the pump dispenser 26, which hangs freely within the sleeve. In still other embodiments, the bottom of the pump dispenser may be flush with the second opening 16 of the sleeve 10. In the system represented by this embodiment, the sleeve 10 may rest on the pump dispenser 26. In either embodiment, the length of the sleeve 10 is at least as long as the length of the pump dispenser, if not longer.

As shown in FIG. 5., the sleeve 10 may engage a threaded neck portion 30 of a pump dispenser 28 between the shoulders 32 of the pump dispenser and the pump 34 of the pump dispenser. This may be achieved by inserting the pump dispenser 28 through the second opening 16 of the sleeve 10. When the pump dispenser is fully inserted into the sleeve, the first opening of the sleeve 10 may fit on the threaded neck 20 of the pump dispenser. The sleeve 10 is then secured by placing the pump 34 on the threaded neck 30 of the pump dispenser and threadably engaging the pump 34 with the neck 30.

In other embodiments, the sleeve 10 does not rest on the threaded neck of the pump dispenser. Rather, the sleeve 10 rests on the shoulders 32 of the pump dispenser 28. A sleeve of this configuration may have a first opening 14 that is larger than the dimensions of the threaded neck 30. In some embodiments, the pump dispenser 28 may be inserted through the second opening 16 of the sleeve and may pass through the first opening of the sleeve. Removing the pump 34 from the pump dispenser 28 may thus be unnecessary in some embodiments and is an optional step.

In yet another embodiment, the liquid dispensing system includes a plurality of pump dispenser bottles each having a threaded neck portion engaging a threaded cap supporting a pump mechanism for dispensing a plurality of different liquids. In one embodiment, each threaded neck portion of the plurality of pump dispenser bottles has the same diameter, and the liquid dispensing system includes a sleeve with a first opening with a diameter corresponding to the common diameter of the threaded neck portion of the plurality of pump dispenser bottles. In this embodiment, the sleeve may be adapted to engage each one of the plurality of pump dispenser bottles allowing one sleeve to be used with different dispensers as desired. Additionally, the pump dispenser bottles may be disposable bottles and the sleeve may be reusable with multiple pump dispenser bottles over time. The liquid dispensing system may therefore enable a consumer to select a sleeve based upon a first criteria, such as matching the decor of a home or office setting, while selecting one or more of the plurality of pump dispenser bottles based upon a second criteria, such as the liquid to be dispensed. In various embodiments, the sleeve may comprise a design or covering on the outer surface of the sleeve, where the design is selected to match a chosen decor, or to compliment a holiday or seasonal theme. In one embodiment, the sleeve is provided with a shrink wrapped plastic covering selected to provide a desired appearance. In some embodiments, the plastic covering may be replaceable. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of sleeves with complementary plastic covering may be provided as a set. In one embodiments, a set of sleeves may include four sleeves each having a plastic covering corresponding to one of the four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. In another embodiment, a plurality of sleeves may be provided each corresponding to a holiday. In yet other embodiments, the sleeve may be provided with one or more decals capable of being applied to the outer surface of the sleeve.

In one embodiment, the sleeve presently disclosed may be used in connection with disposable liquid dispenser. As previously discussed, the sleeve may be affixed to the dispenser and the liquid dispensed by operation of the pump mechanism provided with the disposable dispenser. When the liquid is depleted, the sleeve may be removed and the disposable dispenser discarded. A new disposable dispenser may then be provided and affixed with the sleeve. In this manner, the presently disclosed system a stabilizing sleeve for use in a system for dispensing liquid, while also providing the benefit of a disposable pump mechanism. As is known, pump mechanisms may be prone to clogging or deterioration with use, which may limit the useful life of previous liquid dispensing systems. For example, pumps in dispensers made of metal have been known to rust, particularly when used in a moist environments such as a bathroom. Additionally, pumps made of glass or ceramic have been known to break as previously discussed. Furthermore seals have been known to degrade over time limiting the functionality of the dispenser. In various embodiments, the present system may overcome one or more of these limitations as the system is refilled through replacement of the disposable liquid dispenser avoiding the need to pour liquid soap or other fluids into a reusable bottle. This configuration also increases flexibility in the use of the system as the sleeve may be used with one or more types of liquid dispenser and may be transferred from one liquid dispenser to another before either dispenser is depleted.

While certain embodiments have been described, it must be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleeve for a liquid dispenser, comprising: a sleeve body adapted to receive a liquid dispenser, the sleeve body having a first opening and a second opening and a side portion extending between the first and second openings, where the second opening has a larger diameter than the first opening, such that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening is retained by the first opening of the sleeve body.
 2. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, the sleeve body further comprising a lip extending laterally from the second opening to stabilize the sleeve.
 3. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 2, the lip further comprising a weighted portion.
 4. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer.
 5. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a polycarbonate.
 6. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is coated with a antimicrobial agent.
 7. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a antimicrobial polymer.
 8. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve has at least one slit disposed in the side portion.
 9. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve has at least one cut out disposed in the side portion.
 10. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve further comprises a stiffening member.
 11. A sleeve for a liquid dispenser, comprising: a sleeve body adapted to receive a liquid dispenser, the sleeve body having a first opening and a second opening and a side portion extending between the first and second openings; where the first opening has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of a pump on a first end of the liquid dispenser, and where the second opening has a larger diameter than the first opening, such that a liquid dispenser received through the second opening is retained by the first opening of the sleeve body; and where the second opening is adapted to rest flush against a surface.
 12. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, the sleeve body further comprising a lip extending laterally from the second opening to stabilize the sleeve.
 13. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 12, the lip further comprising a weighted portion.
 14. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer.
 15. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a polycarbonate.
 16. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve is coated with a antimicrobial agent.
 17. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a antimicrobial polymer.
 18. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve has at least one slit disposed in the side portion.
 19. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve has at least one cut out disposed in the side portion.
 20. The sleeve for a liquid dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve further comprises a stiffening member.
 21. A liquid dispensing system comprising: a pump dispenser bottle having a bottle body containing a liquid to be dispensed, the bottle body having a threaded neck portion engaging a threaded cap supporting a pump mechanism for dispensing the liquid, the bottle body further having a shoulder portion extending outward from the threaded neck to side portions of the pump dispenser bottle, the bottle body further having a bottom portion opposite the threaded neck portion; and a sleeve adapted to receive the pump dispenser bottle, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, where the second opening has a cross section greater than the maximum cross section of the pump dispenser bottle, and where the first opening has a diameter greater than the threaded neck portion of the bottle body and less than the diameter of the shoulder portion of the bottle body, such that the first opening receives the threaded neck portion of the bottle body.
 22. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, where the diameter of the first opening of the sleeve is less than a cross-section dimension of the pump mechanism.
 23. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, where a base dimension of the sleeve is greater than a base dimension of the pump dispenser bottle.
 24. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, where a length of the sleeve from the first opening to the second opening is at least as long as a length of the pump dispenser from the threaded neck portion to the bottom portion.
 25. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 24, where a length of the sleeve from the first opening to the second opening is longer than a length of the pump dispenser from the threaded neck portion to the bottom portion.
 26. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, where the sleeve further comprises a stiffening member.
 27. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, where the sleeve engages the threaded neck portion of the pump dispenser.
 28. The liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sleeve rests on the shoulders of the pump dispenser when it is placed on the pump dispenser. 